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Category Archives: The “ICK” List-Don’t Eat This!

There are many questions about the safety of Splenda (sucralose) Photo: Medical Daily.com

“Oh goodie, it’s got no artificial sweetener,” you might be thinking when you read a label and see the word “sucralose.” Every time you see SUCRALOSE on a label it is Splenda.

Sucralose (trade name SPLENDA) is used as a replacement for, or in combination with, other artificial or natural sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace K ) or high-fructose corn syrup. The stuff scares me, even though it’s supposed to be safe. It’s in everything these days.

Industry studies – in other words – the people who MAKE IT – swear they’ve tested it time and again and it’s safe. I don’t believe it. Splenda is the trade name for sucralose, a synthetic compound stumbled upon in 1976 by scientists in Britain reportedly seeking a new pesticide formulation. The Splenda molecule is comprised of sucrose (sugar) — except that three of the hydroxyl groups in the molecule have been replaced by three chlorine atoms. Hmmmm….. what does THAT tell you? In many ways sucralose chemically does resemble a pesticide more than food!

An Italian study brought forth the possibilities of a link between sucralose (Splenda) & leukemia after its study involving almost 1000 rats, who metabolize sugars much like humans do. This is in addition to a number of other studies involving sucralose.

“Our early studies in rats showed increases in several types of cancer, and, in our most recent aspartame studies, we observed a statistically significant increase of liver and lung tumors in male mice. This shows aspartame causes cancer in various places of the body in two different species. Health concerns over aspartame are leading consumers to switch to the widely promoted alternative: sucralose.

Now that we have found evidence of a link between sucralose and cancer in mice, similar research should be urgently repeated on rats, and large scale observational studies should be set up to monitor any potential cancer risk to human health.”

Additionally, while Splenda is touted to be safe for diabetics, another study has found that ingestion may indeed cause a blood sugar spike. Research in animals has suggested that insulin levels do rise after intake of an artificial sweetener. This was also backed up in a study at the Washington University School of Medicine and published in the American Diabetes Association journal Diabetes Care.

Yet another study has found that using Splenda reduces the good bacteria in your guts; the stuff that helps you fight off illness and compromises your immune system. After consuming Splenda, the gut-friendly bacteria did not normalize for three months! This would tell me that people are consuming something that is inherently unhealthy. If you destroy the good bacteria in your gut you throw your entire system off!

Study co-author Susan Schiffman, PhD, adjunct professor at North Carolina State University has concluded:

Reduces good gut bacteria: Sucralose alters the amount and quality of those beneficial microbes that hang out in your belly (the same ones found in yogurt) by 50% or more. “Alteration in bacterial counts is associated with weight gain and obesity,” says Dr. Schiffman.

Makes meds less effective: The sugar substitute limits the absorption of therapeutic drugs, such as those for cancer and heart disease, rendering them less effective.

Releases toxins: Many people bake with Splenda to reduce the calories in a recipe, but it decomposes during baking, which releases potentially toxic compounds called chloropropanols, which are suspected human carcinogens.

May alter your body’s responses: Sucralose can alter insulin responses and blood sugar levels, has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and may even alter genes, the researchers note.

From Prevention magazine: Other research published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2013 found that sugar substitutes are linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. So if you want something sweet, your best option is regular sugar in moderation—no more than 100 calories, or six added teaspoons a day, per the American Heart Association’s recommendations.

Now if all this doesn’t make you think twice about consuming anything with a “Splenda” label on it, I don’t know what will. I’ll continue to read labels and notice if sucralose is listed because I’m not about to be lulled into the Splenda trap! I’ll take good old-fashioned sugar any day!

Pepsi is the #3 soda brand in the U.S. behind Coke and Diet Coke. Pepsi follows in third place with Mountain Dew in fourth place. Behind them in soda sales are Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Pepsi, Diet Mountain Dew, Diet Dr. Pepper, Fanta comes in last.

Trying to bump up its market share in the soda world, Pepsi has added another artificial ingredient to its diet soda concoction, acesulfame potassium. Aspartame, already an ingredient of Pepsi and many other soda drinks, breaks down over time changing taste. Acesulfame potassium is added to stabilize this decomposition in soda and food.

What IS acesulfame potassium?

Acesulfame potassium, also known as “Sweet One,” “Sweet & Safe,” or “Sunnett”. More testing is needed. Best to avoid this.

In the trades it’s called Ace K, “k” being the chemistry symbol for potassium. Acesulfame potassium is also the least tested of all the artificial sweeteners: Splenda and Aspartame. Because acesulfame potassium is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, it blends itself nicely with sweeteners like the above mentioned. It also is reported to make Splenda and Aspartame taste more like sugar.

Although many consider Ace K safe there have been concerns by independent researchers. One concern of acesulfame potassium is that it may cause reactive hypoglycemia hours after consuming. Long term exposure to methylene chloride, a component in Ace K, can cause nausea, headaches, mood problems, impairment of the liver and kidneys, problems with eyesight and possibly cancer. (Studies by the Center For Science In The Public Interest indicated that in testing in laboratory animals, increased rates of liver, thyroid cancers were reported.)

Why drink diet soda? Why drink ANY to begin with? It’s nasty stuff – has nasty ingredients and is bad for you all around. Bad for your teeth, bones, nervous system and with all those chemicals in it, this makes my “ICK” list!

Since 1998 Acesulfame potassium or acesulfame K or Ace K has been added to soft drinks. It is often blended with other sweeteners (usually sucralose or aspartame) and to make it taste more like sugar. It is used in baked goods, gum, diet soda and a variety of other products.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest urges consumers to avoid acesulfame-K. Animal studies show it may cause cancer and affect the thyroid. To quote: “In 1996 the Center for Science in the Public Interest urged the FDA to require better testing before permitting acesulfame-K in soft drinks. In addition, large doses of acetoacetamide, a breakdown product, have been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. Consumers should avoid this ingredient until it is better tested or banned.”

Furthermore, out of all the popular artificial sweeteners, Ace-K has been tested the least. It contains a known carcinogen, methlyne chloride. Long term exposure to Ace K has shown a risk of headaches, liver and kidney impairment, a link to cancer as well as mood fluctuations. As with other artificial sweeteners like Nutrasweet and acesulfame-K, numerous studies have proven that it may actually cause one to gain weight!

Research published in “Preventive Medicine” in 2008 found that consumption of artificial sweeteners for more than 10 years has been associated with development of urinary tract tumors.

A study in 2013 reports that drinking artificially sweetened soda during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma and allergies in children.

Our lives are so filled with chemical additives. Why add one more to the list of food additives that you’re probably consuming? Yes – your body will be craving that “sweet” from the artificial sweetener – like a junkie with heroin. That’s just the addiction to sweetness. If you really feel that you have to use something like Mio, why not wean yourself off it too? Soon you will find that your sugar craving will disappear completely…. and best yet – you might even lose a few pounds!

Sodium Hexametaphosphate, a common ingredient in cosmetics, is in Hawaiian Punch. YUMMY!

Sodium hexametaphosphate is an ingredient in Hawaiian Punch.

I’m sorry, blue drinks and blue food aren’t natural. Wandering the grocery aisles yesterday I came upon Hawaiian Punch, first noticing this huge bottle of blue drink intended for kids. My yuck factor swung into high gear because, in my opinion, how can any responsible parent feed a blue liquid to their kids? Equally disgusting is the bright green one.

Chartreuse drinks are equally scary, too!

My environmental food journalist instinct compelled me to READ THE LABEL because I had to see what’s in this crap. Blah-de-blah-de-blah…, I scanned down past the high fructose corn syrup, apple juice and other ingredients. I zipped past the bullshit of “natural and artificial flavors” because I know that natural in food technology could mean anything. Listed after one of my other favorite ingredients, “potassium sorbate,” which gives me the shivers, I saw sodium hexametaphosphate. I had to write that one down because it was in all of them. My thought was, “Parents are actually letting their kids drink this because it says it has juice in it and therefore, it must be good.” I wanted to gag!

Sodium hexametaphosphate is most commonly used in cosmetics as a chemical preservative. It’s also used in the food industry in poultry processing, seafood and pet food applications. According to various food manufacturing websites, SHMP, is an emulsifier, a sequestering agent, and texturizer. Prevents scale formation and corrosion. Acts to stabilize product and prevent changes in appearance and texture. May cause respiratory tract irritation. Symptoms may include coughing and shortness of breath. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to sodium hexametaphosphate that may produce mild chest pain. Also, it’s been linked to pancreatic cancer in continual doses in mice.

Glancing at the MSDS (material safety data sheet) page on the Tri-Chem site, I noticed a number of things. It’s used as a water softener. The name “Calgon” appears at the top of the MSDS, which caught my attention, too.

Then I saw an unfamiliar word that I had to look up the meaning for: sequestrant. Knowing “sequester” means separate, in food processing it keeps ingredients from separating. SMHP is not only used food but more often in cleaning products (and toothpaste!) to heighten the effects of detergent, as well as in the making of glass and ceramic products. Sounds yummy to me!

Every time you purchase meat from a grocery store you are eating a chemical banned in 160 countries. If your meat comes from Canada, Mexico or Malayasia, you’re consuming it, too.

Ractopamine – also known as Paylean and Optaflexx is a drug which is banned in 160 countries but is used in 45% of pigs, 30% of beef and also in turkeys when animals are “finished.” (fattened) for slaughter. It causes unnatural weight gain.

It is used just before slaughter to promote protein formulation in animals. Reports from farmers to the manufacturer, Elanco, say it causes animals to become very sick; vomiting, ‘downer’ syndrome and animals experience tremors or hyperactivity.

This drug is also marked by the FDA: “Not for use in humans.” Warnings on the product include:

WARNINGS:

No withdrawal period is required in swine or turkeys when treated according to the label.

When mixing and handling Paylean® 20, use protective clothing, impervious gloves, and a dust mask. Operators should wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse thoroughly with water.

The active ingredient in Paylean® 20 is ractopamine hydrochloride. Ractopamine hydrochloride is a beta-adrenergic agonist. Individuals with cardiovascular disease should exercise special caution to avoid exposure.

Keep out of reach of children.

How, then, can this be considered safe to include in feed for animals destined for the tables across this country?

The manufacturer has stated that it is a ‘green’ drug, capable of allowing the pork producing industry to be able to maintain animal levels at the same rate while increasing weight of these animals, thus reducing cropland needed to produce as many pigs.

The FDA approved this drug, saying no testing for residues was necessary nor was a ‘withdrawal time’ (non-feeding to allow it to pass from the animal’s system) was not needed. It was also said to be safe in all indicated uses and there are ‘safe’ levels in edible animal tissues.

If you buy meat in the grocery store – you are eating traces of this drug. Think about that store-bought Thanksgiving turkey. Everything an animal eats before slaughter, you will eat, too!

This is just another reason why I don’t buy meat from the grocery store but instead, from local farmers who pasture their animals, using no chemicals or hormones of any kind!

Editor’s note: This is an reprint of an article from my old blog, Good Food 4 All.

I call it “plastic milk,” because non-dairy coffee creamer is just what it says: non-dairy, not milk. Non dairy coffee creamer has long been on my personal “ick” list. Why? Because it is completely made up of artificial ingredients. There isn’t a drop of “cream” in it!

It does contain milk in the form of soduim caseinate which is what the label says, “a milk derivative.” I’m sorry; something that’s listed as a milk-derivative isn’t milk!

To make sodium caseinate, skim milk solid proteins whey and casein have hydrochloric acid added to them to separate the whey and casein. Gee, that sounds yummy, doesn’t it?

The sweetness of the non-dairy creamer comes from corn syrup solids. We all know the story of the corn syrup these days.

Dipotassium phosphate from the EPA site:

“Mineral acids such as phosphoric acid are derived from inorganic rather than carbonized precursors. In water, these acids undergo extensive ionization forming positively charged ions (hydrogen cations) and negatively charged ions (dihydrogen phosphate anions). When the water is removed, the resulting product is a salt (potassium salt). Hence, potassium salts of phosphoric acid (also known as dipotassium phosphate) could be considered a mineral acid because it can ionize to produce hydrogen ions and anions. As a result, the findings in the Mineral Acid RED of December, 1993 could be applied to dipotassium phosphate.”

In doing research for this article, I’ve noted that much of the dipotassium phosphate available is manufactured in China and India. Noting that Wal-Mart imports much of its products from the Chinese, their Great Value brand of non-dairy coffee creamer probably has questionable ingredients. (Remember the melamine in the baby formula scandal?)

Mono and diglycerides are emulsifiers made from fatty acids, usually palm oil. Mono and diglycerides are really cleverly disguised trans fats. The label to the left, you’ll note, has no trans fats. That’s because trans fats only have to be labeled when they come from triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main constituents of vegetable oils and animal fats. Triglycerides have lower densities than water (they float on water), and at normal room temperatures may be solid or liquid. Many labels which say “zero trans fats” are not because of the other ingredients. In this case, the mono and digylcerides from fatty acids and palm oil, not a trans fat free product. Read labels!

Silicon dioxide occurs naturally in most plant-based foods. Silicon dioxide food safety is of prime concern especially when it is used as an additive. When added as an anti-caking agent to a food product is not safe when the quantity is more than 2 percent of the food’s weight. More specifically, for SiO2 (silicon dioxide) to be safe, it should be made by a process known as vapor phase hydrolysis. If it is manufactured by any other process, then the recommended particle size of SiO2 should not exceed the safety norms. Again, in noting the possible Chinese connection for this ingredient, I’m very skeptical.

Soduim stearoyl lactylate is also used as an emulsifier in food. In this particular product, non-dairy creamer, it may also be added to add sweetness, prevent product breakdown, as a fat replacer and as a foaming agent to give the appearance of cream foam.

Soy lethicin is actually a waste product from the processing of soy oil. Hexane, an industrial solvent and degreaser, is commonly used in manufacture of this product and all oil seed food items. Hexane is a neurotoxic petrochemical solvent.

Last on the list are artificial flavors and artificial color. Why do you want to add more mystery chemicals to your diet? ICK!

You see the little packets on restaurant tables everywhere. Equal, NutraSweet, all eagerly grabbed for sweetening coffee, hot or iced teas by weight conscious customers or diabetics. Little do they realize this artificial sweetener has dangerous health consequences.

Aspartame is ubiquitous in food today. Most assume it’s only in those little packets. Since approval by the FDA in the 1970’s, aspartame has become the number one alternative sweetener. With the rise in diabetes, especially in children, this artificial sweetener is in everything. You’ll find it in: anything labeled “sugar free” or “low calorie.” It’s in (of course) diet soda, flavored water, sports drinks, yogurt, ice teas, nutritional drinks, cereals, cookies, pudding, ice cream, toppings, relish, barbecue sauce, maple syrup or products called simply “syrup,” juice, desserts, pastries, toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, chewing gum, some brands of pharmaceuticals, such as cough drops, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, children’s medicines and vitamins. This list goes on and on.

It is made from aspartic acid and phenylalanine as methyl-ester. The manufacturer of NutraSweet says on their web site: “Aspartame is made from aspartic acid and phenylalanine, as the methyl ester. Aspartic acid and phenylalanine are building blocks of protein and are found naturally in all protein-containing foods, including meats, grains and dairy products. Methyl esters are also common in many foods such as fruits, vegetables and their juices. The components of aspartame are found in much greater amounts in common foods than in aspartame.”

What they don’t tell you is that aspartame, although an amino acid (aspartic acid) is an “excitotoxin” meaning that they stimulate cells (excite) to the extent that they die (apoptosis), destroying neurons. In the brain this is not a good thing. What they don’t tell you is that phenyalanine, although found in proteins, when isolated, it becomes neurotoxic, interferes with anti-depressants and other drugs,

Several studies have indicated that these artificial sweeteners, through their damaging excitatory nature in the brain have caused memory loss, hormonal problems, epilepsy, grand mal seizures, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Monkeys used in initial testing of this artificial sweetener died of seizures. It also affects protein structure in the brain, neuronal function, direct metabolism of amino acids. Indications are that aspartame plays havoc with emotions, which goes hand-in-hand with the excitatory nature of electrical impulses (overstimulation) in the brain. In some people sensitive to aspartame it can cause extreme agitation. The FDA has received thousands of health complaints but refuses to pull aspartame from the market.

The manufacturer touts the safety of this product by adding that this was approved by the FDA and that aspartame “has been documented in more than 200 objective scientific studies. The safety of aspartame has been confirmed by regulatory authorities in more than 100 countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food, as well as by experts with the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization. What they won’t admit is that all these studies, like everything else approved by the FDA, were industry-funded, therefore, one-sided.

Is in no surprise that Monsanto owns G.D. Searle, the manufacturer of NutraSweet? They say it right on their website: G.D. Searle was purchased by Monsanto in 1985 and it is a subsidiarity of Monsanto. Subsidiarity as defined in Webster’s dictionary means Monsanto owns G.D. Searle. Encyclopedia Britannica definition: merger. Hmmm…, I guess somebody should send Monsanto a dictionary to let them know they really own Searle!

Now, I’m not a scientist or a physician, but I have certain questions about our modern diet. Given the current condition of our society – and that most people unconsciously drink soda – much of it “no-calorie,” is it any wonder that there is a rise in cancer, depression, ADHD, OCD, emotional problems, learning disabilities, acting out and the most noticeable of all: society’s inability to slow down or focus?

The words: ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER should be a wakeup call to everyone; a red flag to be paid attention to. Give me good old-fashioned sugar: I’ll take my risks!

Aspartame Part 2

I’ve added this older article on SODA because so many people drink soda. Parents, this is one thing which absolutely should not be given to children – period! The components of soda are very unhealthy to begin with. On top of this, aspartame is in much of the soda today. You are giving your children something which adversely affects their health, not only immediately, but over the entire course of their lives. Please READ ON:

Thankfully, soda is one habit I never acquired. As a kid Mom gave it to us as a treat. We couldn’t afford to drink it but had milk, juice or water instead.

Americans guzzle about 60 gallons a year per person, leading the world in soda consumption, ten times the soda consumption of Japan. This doesn’t surprise me when I see soda being hauled out of the grocery store by the case.

Soda is empty calories, artificially flavored, colored and sweetened. It makes you fat. It rots your teeth. It isn’t good for you at all but millions of families drink 3, 4 or more cans a day. Moms wonder why their kids are attention deficit, hyperactive, have bad teeth, obese, and overeat. The culprit could be that ever-present can of soda!

High fructose corn syrup contributes to obesity, especially in children. A recent study confirmed that children who consume soda are more like to have diabetes and be overweight than those who don’t.

High fructose corn syrup in soda has been proven to damage the liver. Duke University reports that scarring of the liver, usually associated with alcoholism, is found in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as fibrosis. As reported in Science Daily, researches at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found It also stimulates the hunger mechanism in the brain leading to overeating.

Sodium Benzoate, a common food preservative, is found in soda. (read the cans!) While it can be from natural sources, more often it comes from petrochemical origins. It is formed through the oxidation of toluene, an industrial degreasing agent. When mixed with vitamin C, it forms benzene, a carcinogen.

A noted Microbiologist and Professor of Biotechnology at Sheffield University, Dr. Peter Piper has studied the effects of sodium benzoate. His research indicates that sodium benzoate damages DNA. He states, “The mitochondria consumes the oxygen to give you energy and if you damage it – as happens in a number of diseased states – then the cell starts to malfunction very seriously. And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA – Parkinson’s and quite a lot of neurodegenerative diseases, but above all the process of aging.”

Lower blood calcium levels are linked to soda drinking. Soda is high in phosphates, which leaches calcium from bones. Those who consume soda are 4 times as likely to suffer from bone fractures, especially as they age.

Dentists call soda a “chainsaw for teeth,” as it dissolves enamel. The Naval Medical Research Institute conducted an experiment where human teeth were put into a cola drink. After a short period the teeth began to soften and dissolve. Additionally, tooth loss, periodontal disease and gingivitis are of particular concern, especially in soda drinkers, cites Dr. Elson M. Haas, MD.

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